System and method for gas separation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for the separation of gaseous components from gaseous mixtures in order to control emissions and treatment of the gaseous components. In one embodiment, the system makes use of a fan or gas moving device to first impose centrifugal forces on gas streams as the gas moves from the center of the fan toward the periphery of the fan housing. Heavier gases are forced to the outer regions of the fan housing while lighter gases remain closer to the fan axis. The heavier gases and lighter gases exiting the fan housing flow into a duct at different flow rates, and the heavier gases are diverted from the larger volume gas streams and then processed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to gas separation and, more particularly, is concerned with systems and method for gas separation for control of emissions and treatment of gas constituents.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Release of waste industrial gases, landfill gases, and / or combustion products or byproducts to the atmosphere may be regulated for safety or to protect the environment and, therefore, have limits established on the quantity of one or more gases that may be released to the environment. Major components of landfill gas are methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. There are also minor amounts of oxygen, other organic compounds, halides and hydrogen sulfide. Landfill gases, which present a potential renewable energy source, are believed by many scientists to contribute to the greenhouse effect. At present, landfill gases are dealt with by venting to the atmosphere; burning in boilers; flaring; fueling gas turbine or internal combustion ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system and method for separating gaseous components from gas mixtures to control emissions and treat the components. The separation is done using a fan or gas moving device that separates gases based on their molecular weights. This allows for cost reduction by reducing the volume of gas and the amount of reactants needed for adequate contact with the full gas stream. Additionally, the invention can concentrate methane from landfill gas and remove nitrogen gas, resulting in a higher quality gas for use in engines or turbines.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of this system is that the sulfur containing byproducts can deposit in the transfer lines and can cause an increase in pressure within the system.

Most of these reactants form a substantial part of the cost for control of emissions, in addition to the high cost to cause the reactants and the gases to come into intimate contact with each other so that the desired reactions can take place.

Under standard conditions, significant high-purity separation is difficult to achieve unless the rotational velocity is extremely high.

The power consumption of separation nozzles is significant relative to the separation achieved.

Vortex chamber separators have the disadvantage of relatively lower separating efficiency relative to the energy requirement, primarily because of high flow resistance in the vortex chamber and also the use of multi-chamber systems with relatively high volume.

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